I would imagine that the right person to date and marry has been one of the most frequent requests of God that women have shared with me. As a preacher who often speaks on the faithfulness of God in hearing and answering prayers, I have had many a woman tell me that they have given up believing that God will answer their prayers for a “good” man. They have demonstrated great patience as they have waited for God to answer their prayers. But, with the passage of time and God seemingly remaining silent on the issue, they tended to settle for any man, mainly because of the deep pain of loneliness.

It’s difficult to adequately describe loneliness in words, because it results in such deep feelings of isolation, rejection, and abandonment. It burrows deep into the mind and into the spirit, depriving our sense of worth of the necessary nutrients to remain vital, resulting in such low self-esteem that one struggles to believe that they have any value at all. And in a society in which so much of the social world is constructed with at least two people in mind, to go anywhere alone leaves one open to ridicule.

Before I met Douglas, I remember going to a restaurant alone, and as I walked in the hostess asked me how many. I said, “One.” Looking thoroughly confused, as if one was not truly a number, she responded, “One?” When I answered in the affirmative, she looked at a young man who was folding silverware and napkins, and she gave him a look that I could not interpret, but I knew it was not a good thing. Then, he gave a small laugh, and asked if I wanted him to sit with me. I told him thank you, but no.

I wasn’t bothered by their lack of respect, mainly because I had witnessed this same behavior at other places. It is as though a single woman represents a threat to the society, so people seem to feel that they must make you feel bad about your singleness, so that you hurry up and find a man, any man, just so you can be considered as worth their time and energy. I have single women friends who will not go to a restaurant alone, because they are convinced that everyone is looking at them and feeling sorry for them, and, sadly, they are probably right.

So, when after many weekends alone and one Valentine’s Day after another alone and one Christmas after another alone, I am not surprised that so many churchwomen who have prayed for years for Mr. Right settle for Mr. Right Now, meaning that as long as he is breathing and reasonably cleaned up, he will do. That is what loneliness causes so many to do. I know, because I have been there and got the T-shirt!

Loneliness leads to impatience, and as the wait stretches, faith begins to fade, and every man one meets, one wants to believe is the one God has sent in answer to prayer. As the lonely nights increase, standards start to decrease, and women start to accept that which they said that they could never accept in a relationship, as they seek to eliminate the pain and suffering of loneliness, at any costs.

Yet, when the violence starts and the cheating begins, then the illusion is broken, and the tears and frustration return, along with the loss of hope. And, so they come and ask, “Why is God not answering me? I see every other women with their husbands, why won’t God do the same for me? What have I done that God is not hearing me?”

What do you say? They already know all of the Scriptures on patience and waiting. They have had them quoted to them so many times that they can recite them forwards and backwards. They have been told that their day is coming. They have heard all of the advice about losing weight or gaining weight, wearing more or less makeup, dressing more or less provocatively, or changing how loud or how quiet they talk. So what else is there to say?

I tell them that although it seems that God has forgotten them, He really has not. I tell them that He loves them, and it is His desire that they are happy. Then, I ask them to write down what is good in their single lives. I want them to concentrate on what they have, rather than what they do not have.

I ask them what are they asking God for in a mate. Then, I tell them to take a sheet of paper and write what they specifically want in a mate, including the behaviors they know that they cannot live with in another person. Then, pray the list, understanding that there are no perfect people.

But, lastly, I tell them that God knows the future, and He may have a good reason to say no to their request for a husband, and that I have learned after many failed relationships that sometimes we need to learn to live alone and how to make ourselves happy, rather than depending on someone else for our happiness.

Sometimes, we need to take a hiatus from dating, letting go of the desperation to find someone, and simply enjoy what’s good in our single life. Pray about it and let it go. Stop obsessing on what you don’t have, and realize that some of the married women whom you are envying are probably wishing that they had your single status.

Sometimes we run ourselves crazy trying to be what the world says we must be, and there is too big a world to enjoy to sit at home alone. Don’t let the world steal your joy and peace. And remember Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

These are things that I had to learn, because I was the queen of bad relationships. They are the answers that God laid in my Spirit, when I prayed one night for His help in finding a good husband. I remember the night I sat down to write what I specifically wanted in a husband. Then, I stretched out on my floor and I pointed my hands to God, and I gave Him my list, with the understanding that God knows best. Three of my specifics was a man who worked for God, a man who loved sports (especially football), and a man who loved to travel. BINGO! Got all three in Douglas and so much more that I did not know I needed, but, thanks be to God, He knew me better than I knew myself.

Yes, loneliness makes waiting so much harder to do. Patience is hard to demonstrate when you are lonely and believe that only by being with another person can you find happiness. But, when we stop concentrating so hard on what we are missing, we can better acknowledge what is already good in our lives, letting go of cultural expectations and living life patiently on our own terms. And never fear: God hears, so trust Him to know what’s best for you.

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Published by isaiah46ministries

Regina Davis-Sowers was ordained in August 2005, and I earned my doctorate in Sociology in 2006. I consider myself a teacher, above all else, that wants to help people examine God's word, so that they can understand how it pertains to their lives and have their faith created or sustained. Rev. Regina writes her blog, the Hope for Tomorrow posts, and the Bible Study.
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3 thoughts on “It’s Hard to Have Patience When You’re Lonely”

As a fairly young widow I get the same “pity”. It seems as if some people thought I would no longer exist without my husband. And I should start looking for a husband again. We had 35 wonderful years together, if I could change things he would be with me now. Instead I find myself alone…what do you with the widow? No longer a couple. Surprised I still wear my wedding ring and not looking for a man, surprised I am ok with my new life. God has shown me the direction I am to take and for now it is ministry in the mission field. I am good with my life and even after 5 yrs I get asked how I am really doing? As if I am putting on a show. Do they want to know at times I still cry myself to sleep and the loneliness is so painful it hurts? Because yes it happens but then Jesus is right here with me. He has given me my purpose again, taught me there is life as widow, a single woman and so I embrace my new life and accept the challenges knowing that Jesus walks with me – never leaving my side and picking me up when I stumble. There is life a single woman and it is a beautiful life. Thank you for sharing this uplifting article.

Thank you for the comment. You know, so many women, and I was one of them, forfeit our peace over this matter. Oh, if I had been able to be like you and to just rest in Jesus and His work, I could have saved myself and my children so much grief. I will remember your story when I am approached again.

Thank you – it is difficult when society says we should be married. it has been a long hard fought battle – I thank God for a godly woman who has and still is teaching me how to discern the path God wants me to pursue. My prayers are with you – may His love surround you and continue to give you peace, strength and joy that only comes through His Son, Jesus.